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Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe | Easy One-Pot Comfort Food
Allison Bryant

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Experience the ultimate soul-warming comfort with this velvety, rich broccoli cheddar soup. This one-pot recipe balances fresh, crisp broccoli florets with a smooth, savory base of sharp cheddar and aromatics. Designed for a quick weeknight meal, this soup avoids heavy thickeners, relying instead on a perfectly executed roux and high-quality dairy to achieve a luxurious texture. It is the perfect blend of simplicity and restaurant-quality flavor, making it a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth (halal)
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, finely diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and sauté until translucent and sweet.
  3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly to ensure no lumps form.
  5. Add the broccoli and carrots, cover, and simmer gently until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Remove the pot from heat.
  7. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and silky smooth.
  8. Season with paprika, dry mustard, salt, and pepper before serving.

Notes

Always remove the pot from the heat before adding the cheese to prevent the proteins from separating and turning the soup grainy. Use fresh broccoli rather than frozen for a superior, bite-retaining texture. You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.